Mixed response to country-wide strike by trade unions

There was mixed response to the two-day nationwide strike called by trade unions, with banks and transport badly affected in cities. The strike turned violent in Noida, bordering Delhi, where workers clashed with factory owners in a hosiery complex and set ablaze vehicles prompting authorities to deploy PAC in the area.

Workers went on a rampage in Noida Phase 2 area and damaged industrial properties. From Sector 82 till Greater Noida entry point, which is the industrial belt, workers set ablaze a car, bus and a fire engine, police said.

"People just barged in, looted everything in sight and even tore our registers," a industrialist said. Another industrialist said every single building in the hosiery complex had their windows broken and many vehicles were on fire. Industrial associations have blamed lack of proper policing arrangements for the violence. PAC has been deployed in the affected sectors and the situation has been brought under control.

Central trade unions have called a two-day nationwide strike in support of their various demands including urgent steps to control price rise, strict enforcement of labor laws in all places of work, social security net for workers in the unorganized sector, end to disinvestment in PSUs.

Though autos and taxis were off the roads, Delhi Metro saved the day for office-goers. Trains were overpacked with women workers being wort affected.

Normal life was disrupted in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh. The impact of the strike was felt on public transport services as majority of state owned buses plying on inter-state routes in Punjab and Haryana remained off the roads.